Natalie Gulbis Interview

Natalie Gulbis likes to pose. Her swimsuit calendars are some of the best-selling around, she's got a nice follow-through to her swing, and when she walks the fairway, so many cameras are flashing, it's amazing she can concentrate on her next shot. Natalie is more than just a pretty face, however, as she is one of the best young golfers on the LPGA Tour. And because of her immense popularity, Gulbis has also been selected as one of the handful of pros featured in Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005.

We played as her character to see if her polygonal pose was as striking as reality, and I have to say, we weren't disappointed.

IGN Sports hooked up with the woman they like to call "The Anna Kournikova of golf" to get her thoughts on being a sex symbol, her favorite courses, and, of course, her new video game. Here's what she had to say.

IGN Sports: How did you first get into playing golf? When you started did you ever think you'd make it to the pro tour?

<b .Natalie Gulbis: My father got me involved in the game when I was four years old. I just enjoyed the sport. When I was years old I was paired with Annika Sorenstam in a Pro Am and I knew that I wanted to play golf in college and strive for the LPGA. I played in my first LPGA event when I was years old and I knew then that I wanted to join the TOUR as soon as possible. I earned my TOUR card when I was years old. IGN Sports: If a little girl is first learning the game of golf right now, what's the best advice you could give her?Natalie Gulbis: To play in tournaments and compete. You learn so much from competition you gain confidence every time you have to step up and perform. When you fail you learn from the mistakes you made and it motivates you to work even harder. IGN Sports: What's the toughest course for you to play?Natalie Gulbis: The toughest course for me is Twelve Bridges because that is where I played my first LPGA tour event. It brings back a lot of memories and emotions every time I play it. IGN Sports: What's your favorite course?Natalie Gulbis: Pebble Beach. It is tough and the lay out is amazing. The views from the holes overlooking Carmel are breathtaking. IGN Sports: Did you have any idols in golf or other sports that you looked up to from an early age?Natalie Gulbis: Mia Hamm. I have always looked up to because of her focus and amazing work ethic. IGN Sports: Do you ever play video game golf? Do you have a better stroke in the game or in real life?Natalie Gulbis: I have a more appealing swing in the game. My swing in real life is a little more unusual. And I love to play the game. I am still so excited to be a player in the game. IGN Sports: Is it frustrating when people see you as a sex symbol first and a golfer second?Natalie Gulbis: I see myself as a golfer and it is flattering to even be mentioned as sex symbol. IGN Sports: How did you first start doing calendars? What can we expect from your new one?Natalie Gulbis: My first calendar was a combination of photos taken from different shoots including golf and casual. My 2005 calendar we actually did a shoot in Lake Las Vegas. Since I had requests do some swimwear and athletic shots we tried them and they came out good so we inserted them into the new calendar. The response has been phenomenal. IGN Sports: What's the strangest item anyone ever asked you to sign? Natalie Gulbis: The top of their head.